1999 Le Montrachet
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Tasting notes
Like the Leflaive wine, this is made from similarly situated vines also cultivated biodynamically – since 1996 whereas Leflaive converted to biodynamism slightly later. Perhaps because it followed the Leflaive example, the impact of this wine was slightly less dramatic. Initially it was relatively reticent on the nose but it was, infuriatingly, opening up most convincingly as I had to leave. In fact of all the wines, this was the one that changed most in the glass – a good sign. There's something molten and golden about the flavour with an overlay of smoke. Very chunky, savoury and intense. This should be kept a very long time. (JR)
Critic scores
Average Score
Pierre Rovani
Jancis Robinson MW
More reviews and scores
Lafon's 1999 Montrachet is one of the vintage's few blockbuster. Boisterous flowers, minerals, and pears can be discerned in its explosive aromatics. Medium-bodied and impeccably delineated as well as nuanced, this rich, broad, and opulent wine is exceptionally refined. Satin-textured and loaded with stones, pears, apples, toast, hints of creme brulee and vanilla bean, this is a powerful, harmonious, elegant, and complete wine. Its majestic finish displays buttered pain grille as well as a myriad of spices. Projected maturity: 2004-2012. Importers: Various including Classic Wine Imports, Boston, MA; tel: (617) 731-6644, and Ex Cellars, Solvang, CA; tel (805) 686-9153.
Lafon's 1999 Montrachet is one of the vintage's few blockbuster. Boisterous flowers, minerals, and pears can be discerned in its explosive aromatics. Medium-bodied and impeccably delineated as well as nuanced, this rich, broad, and opulent wine is exceptionally refined. Satin-textured and loaded with stones, pears, apples, toast, hints of creme brulee and vanilla bean, this is a powerful, harmonious, elegant, and complete wine. Its majestic finish displays buttered pain grille as well as a myriad of spices. Projected maturity: 2004-2012. Feb 2001, www.robertparker.com
Profound aromas of roasted nuts, iodine, nut oil, truffle and spicy oak. Incredible sweetness and richness over a firm backbone; conveys an impression of vibrant acidity and powerful minerality. Finishes with explosive power and persistence. Tasting this was almost as satisfying as swallowing it: my mouth thought it hadn't spit. An early candidate for wine of the vintage.